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Nephropathy - Is it possible with stable ABH1c

H

Halcyon_days

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi,

I've been living with T2 for a number of years, and been fortunate it's not really impacted me. My ABH1c is currently 39, and when I do random glucose tests they are usually well with the normal ranges.

However, for the last few weeks I've been getting odd sensations in my feet and hands. I'm assuming Nephropathy would be the right word. My finger tips feel like if have paper cuts and my feet are just 'burning' is quite the right term, but I'm constantly 'aware of them'; if that makes sense.

Has anyone ever had Nephropathy come on like this, even with things seemingly under control? Could the Metformin or DAPAGLIFLOZIN (which is a recent addition) be causing this?

I'm worried as I had a spinal op a few years ago, unlated to this, and really don't want to go through that again, but don't know where to start looking for the source of this, so thought I'd start here.

Thanks for listening - feeling stressed and worried all the time isn't fun!
 
Hi @Halcyon_days and welcome to the forum. We can’t diagnose, so all I can do is advise you to see your dr. However just to clarify, I think you mean neuropathy, meaning related to nerves. Nephropathy is relating to kidney function.
 
I have no idea whether your symptoms are neuropathy or not but it might be worth having a test of your B12 levels, as long term metformin use can be associated with B12 deficiency and B12 deficiency can have symptoms similar to neuropathy....

How a Vitamin B12 Deficiency Can Affect Your Body

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by poor diet or malabsorption, leading to fatigue, muscle weakness, and memory problems.
www.verywellhealth.com

Metformin and reduced vitamin B12 levels: new advice for monitoring patients at risk

Decreased vitamin B12 levels, or vitamin B12 deficiency, is now considered to be a common side effect in patients on metformin treatment, especially in those receiving a higher dose or longer treatment duration and in those with existing risk factors. We are therefore advising checking vitamin...
www.gov.uk

I stress that I have no way of knowing whether you are B12 deficient, but it's something that might be worth investigating.

But we aren't allowed to diagnose here, so talking to your GP is definitely a good idea.
 
Another vote for B12 deficiency through long-term metformin use. Not a diagnosis mind you, but I am saying it is very likely that. Your blood glucose is pretty good, so.... That'd be my bet. Get tested for a deficiency if you can, because a prescribed B12 shot can make a bigger difference in a deficiency than over-the-counter supplements will, but if the doc's resistant, you could just start taking B12 supplements and go from there. Mind you, if it is neuropathy, that does mean nerve damage, and that takes a long time to heal. If you can, get an official diagnosis, because if it's something else and you're taking supplements for half a year before knowing whether it makes a difference... Better to know. So get thee on the phone with the doc's assistant maybe, (or as I usually do, through e-mail or the app) and ask for a bloodtest.

Good luck, and I hope you feel better soon!
Jo
 
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